Debra Davis Burton, beloved mother, grandmother (Nana), sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in York County, Virginia, at the age of 71.
Born Debra Gail Davis on November 19, 1954, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, she was the eldest child of Millard (Pete) Mayo Davis, Jr. and Margaret Hardy Davis. During the late 1950’s, her family relocated to Newport News, VA, after her father secured a welding position at the Newport News Shipyard.
Debbie graduated from Warwick High School in 1973, where she was active in the Grenadier Band as a clarinet player. After graduating, she joined the Newport News Shipyard (now Huntington Ingalls) as an administrative assistant and retired as a Master Shipbuilder after more than 40 years of service.
Debbie had a strong Christian faith, and her family was the light of her life. She was known for her compassion and kindness, her laughter and sense of humor, and her love of classic rock and Elvis music.
She was preceded in death by her father, Millard (Pete) Mayo Davis, Jr., her mother, Margaret Hardy Davis, her brother, Millard (Mayo) Davis, III, and her true love and companion, Larry Lackey.
She is survived by her daughter, Lindsey Marie Tate, her two grandchildren, Macey Robinson and Jordan Griffin, her sister Wanda Davis Barnhart (Jeff Long), her niece Angela Catalfamo, and her three nephews, Joshua Barnhart, Brett Davis, and Stuart Davis.
A Celebration of Life will be held with family members, per Debbie’s wishes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the American Lung Association. https://donate.lung.org Click to Donate
2 Comments
Debbie will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. So many fun stories and fond memories with her. May she rest in peace. My condolences to you all during this time of grief.
Thank you Mindy 💗